Death Camas, Zigadenus venenosus

The Death Camas or Meadow Death Camas (Zigadenus venenosus) is a species of flowering plant that occurs in some regions of western North America. It can often be confused with the edible onion of the genus Allium. They are found in dry meadows and on dry hillsides as well as sagebrush slopes and mountain forests.

The plant is up to 27.55 inches tall with long, grass-like leaves. The bulbs are oval and look like onions. The flowers are cream colored or white and grow in pointed clusters. The flower appears between April and July.

Though the bulb is onion-like, it has a much different smell. All parts of the plant are poisonous. It is dangerous for both humans and livestock. Alkaloids in the plant are the main reason for it being poisonous. It is said that eating rich fish, beef broth, grease, or butter may counteract with the poison.